Dear Freddie,
I have asked Commins¹ to take up with you certain matters amongst them those listed overleaf.

They are all important particularly number (1). When you have heard what Commins has to say on this you may think it well to see an Taoiseach about it and bring Seán Leydon and Commins with you.

That the New Year may be very bright for you and yours is the earnest wish of

[enclosure]

1. Mac Liath. A great part at least of our troubles over supplies is traceable to this source. Is it not time to tell him to go?²
2. Help. If we are to work as efficiently as we should we must have an additional hand. Preferably an assistant Commercial attaché.
3. Allowances. 'Hope deferred maketh the heart sick'. The cost of living here is now 54% over 1939 figures.
4. Legation. If you want the mission made an Embassy the initiative will have to come from Dublin. The dislike of Ireland in the State Dept. which was generated by the controversy over the Axis Envoys continues, though we are very popular elsewhere.
5. Parcel post.
6. Stenographer clerks.
7. Year Book.
8. US Legation and US Consulate. My advice is not to give an inch until you get what you want. Generosity is interpreted as weakness. For instance our free gifts of food to Europe is regarded as conscience money.